A New Anthem for a New Season
When the clock struck midnight Eastern Time on Friday, a fresh track slipped onto playlists nationwide, announcing itself as the heartbeat of the upcoming college football season. The song, titled "High Noon" and featuring rapper Gunna, is the latest chapter in ESPN’s long‑standing partnership with musicians to craft a season‑long soundtrack.
Shaboozey, who released the track as part of his concept album "The Outlaw Cheriee Lee & Other Western Tales," expressed excitement about the anthem’s role in shaping game‑day energy and tradition. "It’s an honor to add my music to the fabric of college football memories," he said in a statement.
This collaboration is not new for ESPN. For the past 13 years the network has enlisted top artists — including Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, and mgk — to deliver anthems that accompany the sport’s biggest moments. Each release has been timed to coincide with the start of the season, reinforcing the link between music and college football culture.
The 2026‑27 season will open with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, where the North Carolina Tar Heels face the TCU Horned Frogs at noon ET on an ESPN network. That game marks the first of more than 1,000 broadcasts the network plans to air, promising a slate of marquee matchups and premier presentations throughout the fall.
Fans will be able to stream every game via the ESPN App, ensuring that the anthem — and the excitement it brings — reaches viewers wherever they watch. As the season unfolds, "High Noon" will serve as a constant reminder of the blend of sport, storytelling, and sound that defines modern college football.